Coming Soon
In Development
With a passion for new work, Kenneth always has a number of projects in various stages of development.
Below is a sneak peak at a few current productions he is directing and developing:
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For additional information about any of the projects below, please reach out!
The Wanderer
based on the life and music of Dion
Book by Charles Messina. Music by Dion Dimucci & others
Produced by Jill Menza, Charles Messina, Stevie Van Zandt & Maureen Van Zandt
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General Manager: RCI Theatricals
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​With a critically acclaimed world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, the production is currently prepping a Broadway transfer. One name set the standard of cool for a generation. An Italian-American kid from the Bronx, Dion DiMucci skyrocketed to fame as a teenage heartthrob in the 1950s and early ’60s with hits like “Runaround Sue,” “Teenager in Love,” and “I Wonder Why.” Now, his extraordinary journey comes to the stage in a moving and intimate new musical about a life lived in the glow of the spotlight and in the shadow of addiction.
World Premiere Production: Paper Mill Playhouse
The Wanderer World Premiere
World Premiere Production: Paper Mill Playhouse
World Premiere Production: Paper Mill Playhouse
Prelude to a Kiss
a musical
Book by Craig Lucas
Music by Dan Messé, Lyrics by Dan Messé & Sean Hartley
Based on the Pulitzer-Prize nominated play by Craig Lucas
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This hit romantic comedy soars to new heights in a World Premiere musical that refreshes and elevates its fairy tale love story. When Peter and Rita are approached by a mysterious guest at their storybook wedding, the boundaries of true love are tested, taking them on a fantastic journey of self-discovery. Adapted from the Tony-nominated play by Broadway great Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza, American in Paris) that also inspired the 1992 hit film of the same name, and with a breathtaking score by Daniel Messé (Amélie) and Sean Hartley (Little Women the Musical), you’ll love this powerfully moving musical that gives the phrase “for better or worse” new meaning.
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The world premiere production was presented at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in Fall 2024 starring Tony-Winner, Karen Ziemba, Caitline Houlahan, Chris McCarrell, and James Moye.
World Premiere: Milwaukee Rep
World Premiere: Milwaukee Rep
World Premiere: Milwaukee Rep
World Premiere: Milwaukee Rep
Better Days
a new musical
Book by Eric Garcia
Music & Lyrics by Emily Wright and Brian Logan Dales
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Better Days, is a new musical from pop-rock band The Summer Set's Brian Logan Dales and pop producer-songwriter Emily Wright, and book by Eric Garcia, creator and showrunner of Netflix's Kaleidoscope.
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Set in a dusty Arizona bar over the course of three Blackout Wednesdays (the night before Thanksgiving) across ten years, BETTER DAYS is a heartfelt comedy about old friends, unresolved feelings, and the gravity of coming home. As familiar faces drift through Hal's Bar —some hoping to reconnect, others desperate to escape-they're forced to confront the choices that shaped them and the dreams they never quite let go. A raw, funny and resonant look at the ties that bind us to the past and the hope that maybe, just maybe, it's not too late to start over.
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An initial staged reading was presented in Hollywood, CA starring Emma Hunton (Wicked), Alex Boniello (Dear Evan Hansen), Scott Porter (Ginny & Georgia), Cheyenne Isabel Wells (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), Matthew Scott Montgomery (Jane the Virgin), Chris Renfro (Oh, Mary!), Sterling Sulieman (Scrambled), Lana McKissack (A Christmas Movie), & Michael Scott Harris (Phantom of the Opera).
A New Original Musical
BETTER DAYS, A New Original Musical
A New Original Musical
A New Original Musical
Black Friday
From writer, Eric Holmes (The Good Fight), Black Friday explores an American marriage as they wait in line for the biggest sale of the year. When their smartphones die, Marge and Bill are forced to interact with one another while waiting to purchase all the happiness that capitalism will allow. In this absurdist view on today's addiction to technology and materialistic goods, one marriage struggles to make a single honest connection before it's too late! A recent private reading featured Carrie Preston, Michael Emerson and Autumn Best.
